why go plant based?

One of our newest teachers 

BRIAN MAY 

is sharing his knowledge

on ALPHAWHAT 

explaining his choice to live a plant-based lifestyle

Protein: The Whole Food Plant-Based Difference

The average person's protein requirement is  0.8 per pound of body weight. In the united states the average person is actually consuming around 2 times what their body actually needs. This over consumption is a direct result to Americans heavy intake of protein and fats from meat.  Protein carries the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot create yes, but we are not eating the minimal amount of meat that is needed. 

What makes a Whole Food Plant-Based lifestyle different? 

With a Plant-Based lifestyle you can still eat meat! Just eat 10 times that amount in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains.  Obviously if you have an allergic reaction or really dislike something don't eat it. In the United States there is plenty of food to go around. Every single grocery store is packed full of food and even after major holidays the stores are restocked within days. 

When you are consuming your protein through plant sources not only are you eating food that has protein, all of these different whole food plant sources are different colors, textures, flavors. They will contain macronutrients: Fats, Good Carbohydrates, Complete and Incomplete Protein. 

Example: People will buy supplements like omega 3 fatty acids and the amino acid arginine. Walnuts have a higher concentration of the amino acid arginine, and they also contain the healthy omega 3 fatty acids.  So why would you go spend money on supplements when you can just include walnuts to your diet? 

An easy way to kick off a Whole Food Plant-Based lifestyle is by writing down your top 5 fruits and your top 5 vegetables.(If you love more than 5 feel free to make the list bigger) Every time you make a trip to the grocery store or farmers market make sure that you buy all of the foods on your list. As soon as you find yourself in the "Junk Food" section realize how much your are about to spend ($6.00 for a half gallon of ice cream) and either save that $6.00 or go spend it on more of what was on your list or go crazy with something new that you would like to try.  Go home and make some smoothies, juices, salads, soups, etc. 

notice the rapid increased in consumption since the 1900s

do our bodies require all that meet? is it necessary for survival?

what goes into your beef patty?

Protein:

Proteins are of primary importance in the growth and development of all body tissues. They are the major source of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and internal organs, including the heart and brain. Most of the transmitters relayed by the brain that affect muscular and emotional activity are composed of amino acids. Protein is needed for the formation of hormones which control a variety of body functions such as growth, sexual development, and rate of metabolism. Protein also helps prevent the blood and tissues from becoming either too acid or too alkaline and helps regulate the body's water balance. 

 When a protein food is ingested, the body breaks it down into amino acids.  There are 20 amino and they can be combined in numerous ways, just like the letters of the alphabet. 

Protein that is not needed for construction, maintenance, or repair of the body's structure can be used for energy production. Excess protein in the diet, once broken down into amino acids, is turned into glucose or glycogen, OR PUT INTO STORAGE AS FAT. However, when protein is burned for energy, it does not burn clean like carbohydrates and fat but leaves a toxic residue, Ammonia.  High dietary intake of protein can also exacerbate allergies and autoimmune diseases by aggravating the immune system. 

Amino Acids are synthesized by the body except for eight of them which are called the "essential amino acids". Meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products furnish all eight essential amino acids. All essential amino acids can be obtained in the vegetable kingdom by combining vegetable proteins: serving beans with brown rice, corn, nuts, seeds, or wheat for example. 

- Nutrition Almanac 5th Edition

Lavon J. Dunne